American Musical Productions: The Desert Song

It's been 75 years since Akron last experienced this beloved musical, and American Musical Productions is bringing it back in a fully-staged production. *The Desert Song*, composed by Sigmund Romberg with a book by Otto Harbach, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Frank Mandel, tells the swashbuckling story of Pierre, the French Governor's son who secretly becomes the masked hero "The Red Shadow" to aid oppressed locals in French Morocco. Caught between duty and love for the spirited Margot, Pierre must reveal his true identity before romance can triumph. The production features a cast of 30 performers and a 24-piece orchestra conducted by Joseph Rubin. Considered one of the greatest American light operas ever created, this musical showcases Romberg's timeless score with iconic numbers including "The Desert Song," "One Alone," and "The Riff Song." The production celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show's Broadway premiere and marks only the fourth time Akron has seen this classic on stage—first in 1928, then by the Goodyear Operetta Society in 1944 and 1951. Families who enjoy theatrical spectacle, romantic adventure stories, and classic American musical theater will find this a memorable evening at the Firestone Theatre.